Towson University launches new early childhood education pathway for paraeducators at The Universities at Shady Grove

Towson University, in partnership with The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), today announced the launch of a new early childhood education bachelor’s degree pathway for paraeducators in Montgomery County, a fully funded bachelor’s degree program designed to help current MCPS paraeducators become fully licensed to teach children from birth through grade three.

“This pathway reflects our commitment to designing programs that meet aspiring educators where they are—professionally, academically and personally,” says Laurie Mullen, dean of Towson University’s College of Education. “Montgomery County’s paraeducators already serve children and families every day. With this program, they will gain the licensure and preparation they need to step into teaching roles that are so desperately needed across the state.”

A flexible and career-sustaining route for paraeducators, this program helps them earn their bachelor’s degree and advance into lead teacher roles—without stepping away from their current employment. The program is fully funded by MCPS and USG. The new pathway builds on a partnership launched in 2024 in which TU, MCPS and USG created a dual-certification bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education for MCPS paraeducators.

“The Universities at Shady Grove brings multiple Maryland public universities together on one campus so working adults can finish their degrees close to home. By fully funding this new pathway with MCPS, we’re removing a major barrier for paraeducators who want to become early childhood teachers while staying in their current jobs and schools,” says Dr. Anne Khademian, executive director of USG. “This is a powerful way to grow Montgomery County’s teacher pipeline and meet our county’s need for well-prepared educators.”

Offered exclusively at USG’s Rockville campus, the program features a hybrid model with mostly online evening courses, year-round scheduling across fall and spring semesters and three- to-five-week winter and summer minimesters that allow students to progress quickly but manageably. Participants will also receive credit for prior learning based on their professional experience and will complete in-school internships at their MCPS worksites.

“MCPS is deeply committed to growing our own educators,” says Brittany Ramey, instructional specialist for higher education partnerships at Montgomery County Public Schools. “Paraeducators know our students, our schools and our community. This pathway allows them to earn a bachelor’s degree in a timely, flexible and fully funded manner—while continuing to work and support their families. It’s a win for our students, their families and the county.”

The new pathway directly supports MCPS’s efforts to address staffing shortages, strengthen early childhood classrooms and build a sustainable pipeline of educators who live in and want to continue serving the Montgomery County community. Children and families will benefit from having highly qualified, fully licensed teachers who are already embedded in their schools.

Admissions & Timeline

TU is encouraging interested MCPS paraeducators to reach out immediately, as the program is targeting a start date of this coming spring semester. All interested MCPS paraeducators should contact Amy (Kit) DiCenso, program coordinator, at adicenso AT_TOWSON to learn more about their eligibility and information sessions.

To learn more about the program, click here. 

 

About Towson University

Towson University is Maryland’s university of opportunities. With more than 150 years of experience pushing possibilities, TU is a nationally recognized leader in inclusive excellence, social mobility, research and discovery. As the largest university in greater Baltimore, TU’s momentum is always accelerating, with nearly 20,000 students and nearly 200 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences and applied professional fields. Located amid one of the East Coast’s cultural and economic epicenters, TU is a beacon and powerful catalyst in the Mid-Atlantic, partnering with hundreds of businesses and organizations, impacting communities and fueling change. TU meets the holistic needs of each student to achieve success, a result of a deeply inclusive culture with a focus on equity among all students, faculty and staff.

About The Universities at Shady Grove

Established in 2000, The Universities at Shady Grove drives student success from the classroom to career, serving upper-level undergraduates and graduate students seeking to complete their degree from one of nine public universities in Maryland. USG connects students to outstanding career opportunities while providing regional employers with a highly educated, skilled workforce. How does USG work? Students apply directly to the university of their choice. While applying, they select USG as their campus. Upon graduation, their degree is awarded by their university. While completing their degree on USG’s campus, students benefit from small class sizes, increased scholarship opportunities, support services and student life opportunities -- all leading to a personalized, cost-effective, and time-saving path to a degree.